Wishful Drinking Broadway Review Matrix: Should You See It?
Critics Weigh In On New Play
BROADWAY MAGAZINE – Last night, Carrie Fisher opened her one-woman show Wishful Drinking on Broadway at Studio 54. Today, a close reading of reviews from 10 Broadway opening night critics offers some interesting insight and consensus on the production.
Telling stories from her own life, Carrie Fisher’s show display her wit and resilience in the face of a range of challenges and a galaxy of unusual experiences. Addiction, death, celebrity, depression, Star Wars and more are topics covered by Ms. Fisher who rose to fame as Princess Leia in Star Wars. While not all Broadway critics were enthusiastic about the production, a majority found Wishful Drinking to be entertaining and engaging. Some critics complained that the production was a bit long, and others felt this was material she covered before in her books.
Three Key Take Aways From Wishful Drinking Opening Night Reviews
- Funny – Carrie Fisher’s gift for turning a phrase as a writer and delivering it as a performer was highlighted in many reviews. Even dissenting critics acknowledged that the show will make you laugh, and is entertaining. She is a gifted storyteller.
- Candid—Carrie Fisher’s candor in Wishful Drinking is used for comic effect, though at times her raw honesty can be challenging too.
- Carrie Fisher—This show is about Carrie Fisher. Her life and her gifts as a performer are front and center. Some critics felt that the area of celebrity confessional was old territory, a majority of critics imply that Fisher brings something fresh to the one-person show format
Should you see Wishful Drinking On Broadway?
Yes, if you like confessionals, Carrie Fisher, Star Wars, celebrity, gossip, depression, laughter, Paul Simon, one-person shows, shocking details, TMZ, addiction, weight gain, strong writing, Debbie Reynolds, Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher, survival, wit, candor, and pez dispensers.
Opening Night Reviews For Wishful Thinking
“Fisher is a raconteur in the best sense of the word. She knows how to tell a story. And “Wishful Drinking,” her hilariously perceptive journey through a world of celebrity and self-destruction, is chock-full of funny, fascinating tales.” –Michael Kuchwara, AP
“Fisher’s avoidance of self-pity when reflecting on her lowest points is as admirable as her disdain for self-congratulation in the seemingly well-balanced present state she reluctantly concedes is that of “a survivor.”" –David Rooney, Variety
“She has the gift, possessed by only the smartest and most charming of narcissists, of making you think that it’s somehow all about you when of course it’s all about her.” –Ben Brantley, New York Times
“There is smart, vengeful riffing on her marriage and after-marriage to the singer and songwriter Paul Simon.” –John Simon, Bloomberg
“Though Fisher’s foibles — her failed relationships, her struggles with alcoholism and manic-depression — are the focus, the effect is less one of navel-gazing than wry commiseration.” –Elysa Gardner, USA Today
“There’s no denying what Fisher is doing is a stand-up routine; but as directed by Tony Taccone and designed by Alexander V. Nichols, that aspect of its origin is craftily disguised.” –David Finkle, Variety
“She welcomes you in for juicy stories, caustic quips and gobs of self-deprecation about her ballooning weight and deflated acting career (”Sorority Row”).” –Joe Dziemianowicz, New York Daily News
“Still, while the actress-turned-author is handy with a quip, “Wishful Drinking” quickly wears thin.” –Elizabeth Vincentelli, New York Post
“Fisher is attired in a comfy bathrobe and pajamas, ready to curl up on the sofa and dish some dirt.” –David Sheward, Backstage.com
“This is not so much a play, but a strange cross-section of therapy, stand-up comedy, and a tabloid exposing celeb culture of the late 20th century.” Matt Windman, am New York
Tags: Broadway, Broadway Magazine, Broadway.tv, Carrie Fisher, Critics, Opening Night, Review Matrix, Reviews, Star Wars, Studio 54, Wishful Drinking
